Tying a Perfect Tie Knot
Sooner or later it is time for any man to put on a necktie. Be it a high school prom, graduation, or a job interview after college, mens ties still remains one of the elegant and timeless fashion accessories no man can go without. Part of wearing a tie means knowing how to properly tie a knot. Unlike tying shoes, the tie knot is the center piece of suit and tie. Even the best and most luxurious necktie can look ugly and sloppy if worn with a poorly tied knot.
To add to the confusion of tying your necktie, there are several different tie knots that you can choose from. The easiest and simplest tie knot (one that is perfect for the beginner) is the so-called Four-in-Hand knot. It is a tie knot that is smaller in shape and is a perfect match for dress shirts with a narrow collar spread.
The Four in Hand Knot
Tie a Four in Hand Knot
To tie the Four-in-Hand, take the necktie and lay it around your neck with the collar flipped up. Make sure that the seam faces your body and the broad end hangs down much lower than the narrow end of the tie. Now take the broad end and cross it over the narrow end. Hold this intersection in place with two fingers. Then take the broad end of the tie and pull it through the loop on your neck. Slightly tighten this first wrapping. Then take the broad end and wrap it from behind and back over the unfinished knot so that a loop is created in the front. Then pull the broad end through the loop between tie knot and your neck and pull it through the loop you just created. Pull tight, flip down your collar, and give it a final adjustment. You are already done with the Four in Hand knot!
Once you mastered this easy tie knot, you may want to move on to a more complicated knot – the Double Windsor knot. The double Windsor is the most popular knot but it is also the knot that most men don’t know how to tie correctly. The knot starts out similar to the Four in Hand, but because the double Windsor requires more of the tie’s length, you should let the broad end hang much lower. Also, instead of two wrappings through the loop, the double Windsor requires two – hence the name “Double Windsor”. For more information I suggest you visit my tutorial on How to Tie a Tie. Besides instructions you will see graphic illustrations and even videos.
The Double Windsor:
Once you have mastered these two tie knots you will be set for most occasions. Both knots are excellent ways to show off your neckties. The four in hand knot looks best with classic striped ties and solid color ties – worn with a narrow spread or button-down collar. The Double Windsor knot is much larger and more symmetrical. It looks best with modern Italian silk ties that are paired with a wide spread collar.
For the necktie aficionado, there is one more thing that should be mentioned when tying your neckties. Tie lovers try to create a “dimple” on top of their tie knot. The dimple adds more texture to the fabric and gives the knot a neat looking fold that perfectly reflects light for a brilliant sheen. To make the dimple, you have to give the tie a fold in shape of a “W” before tightening it
Other Suggested Articles You May Find Interesting:
Guide to Tying an Ascot Tie
The Fastest Way to Tie a Necktie
Your Mens-Ties.com Team